Colifato Novo, the master of the mile and recipient of the grandest ovation
The son of Lenovo scored wire-to-wire in the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1), defeating Vundú by 4 lengths; he secured his third victory at the top level and ignited the crowd's enthusiasm
Vundú (Suggestive Boy) went after him earlier this time, determined not to grant him the same leeway he enjoyed in the Clásico Ecuador (G2). But Colifato Novo had plenty more in the tank. When the moment came to settle the Gran Premio San Isidro - Copa Melchor Ángel Posse (G1), the pacesetter dug in down the home stretch and began to pull away, turning what promised to be another tight battle into a total exhibition. The 4 lengths at the wire were the clear reflection of absolute superiority.
Over the 1,600 meters on the turf, the son of Lenovo ratified his status as the undisputed king among turf milers. He did it in his signature fashion—wire-to-wire, with Iván Monasterolo delivering an impeccable ride and showcasing all of his mount's finest virtues. Quick to grab the lead, capable of sustaining a fierce tempo, and possessing plenty of punch to finish, he delivered a performance that can easily be regarded as the finest of his career.
Their most recent encounter had suggested far more suspense was in store. In the Ecuador, Vundú had missed by barely half a head, closing ground rapidly and putting the victory in serious jeopardy. This time, he tracked him much closer, aiming to keep him within striking distance for the stretch drive. The tactic made sense; putting it into practice proved to be a completely different story.
Colifato Novo straightened for home with plenty of answer and neutralized any threat of a challenge. Monasterolofound everything he needed the moment he asked, and the colt drew away with remarkable authority. Behind him, Vundú was forced to fight hard just to secure second, nipping Capitán Kid (Daniel Boone) by a head to complete the trifecta.
For the representative of Stud El Ranquel, bred by Maximiliano Conti, it marked his tenth victory in 20 starts and his third Group 1 triumph. It is a haul that began at age 2 with the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1)—a cornerstone of the campaign that earned him Champion 2-Year-Old Colt honors—and continued at age 3 with the Gran Premio Dos Mil Guineas (G1). This very same San Isidro mile once again served as the stage for one of his signature afternoons.
The victory also held special significance for Joaquín Cano. His trainer, who had ridden him during the early stage of his racing career, remained in Buenos Aires from the Ecuador straight through to this engagement to personally supervise his preparation. It meant weeks away from his home and family, dedicated entirely to the horse and ensuring every detail was spot on.
That commitment earned a massive reward. Cano knows Colifato Novo intimately from the saddle, guided his development, and now enjoys the satisfaction of watching him shine under his care. That daily dedication shone through in a horse that arrived in absolute peak condition for one of the most critical dates on the calendar for mile specialists.
Following the race came another display, this time from the grandstands. As he returned for the winner's circle photos, Colifato Novo was showered with the grandest ovation of the afternoon. He stands as one of the most beloved horses in Argentina, boasting a passionate social media following and a fan base that makes its presence felt every time he steps onto the track. His victory was one of those results that brought widespread joy, well beyond whatever the tote board read.
There were plenty of reasons to applaud him. The precocious champion added another major conquest to his resume, boosted his win rate to an impressive 50 percent, and delivered a masterclass in maturity during a race he controlled from gate to wire. To the sheer brilliance that has always distinguished him, he added a crushing authority that his rivals simply could not dispute.
Ahead lies the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1) in December, bringing the opportunity to target another title, this time as Champion Miler. That challenge remains down the road. For now, Colifato Novo has set the bar immensely high: anyone wishing to dispute his supremacy will have to figure out a way to stop a horse that has just demonstrated how much more he truly had to give.
